Okay, part two of the rambling packing blog. We already covered clothing, footwear, and hygiene stuff in part one, so this time we'll focus on other gear. First off, your sleeping arrangements.
-Now, I have yet to use my tent, but I still carry it. I know I'll use it one of these days. It's hard to rationalize those extra 4-5 pounds, but I like my tent. Get a good tent, but don't go hog-wild. No need to get something top-of-the line. Really, this is your choice though. Go to REI and test some out, talk to the nice employees, but ultimately, get the right tent for you. I got the REI Half-Dome, and I loved it at Training Camp (which is the only time I've used it since I bought it). Make sure whatever you get, that you practice putting it up and taking it down. I could do it in my sleep or in the dark. Sadly, I've had no occasion to do either yet. But I live in hope.
-One thing I HAVE used almost every month is my sleeping pad. DO NOT skimp on your sleeping pad! I REPEAT, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT SKIMP ON YOUR SLEEPING PAD! I have scoliosis, so I knew I needed a comfortable and supportive pad that also rolled up small and was lightweight. Thankfully, I have an amazing dad who's also a Scoutmaster, and he told me to get what he has, the Big Agnes pad. I got the Insulated Air Core pad, and I am the envy of my squad. It's super comfortable, doesn't deflate much over time (I think I top it off once or twice a month when I use it), rolls up fairly well, and takes about 5 minutes to inflate by mouth. One of the best decisions I made for gear!
-You'll also want a good sleeping bag. I've used this baby every month except one, because it's warm and fluffy and comfortable. It's now my security blanket. Not really, but it is nice! I got the Big Agnes Pearl, rated for 30 degrees. It has a nifty pocket on the bottom where my sleeping pad SLIPS INSIDE IT so I never roll off. Which is good 'cause I get a little feisty at night. Ask my teammates for stories. But this bag is nice, and it's down, so it compresses nicely in the compression sack I bought at REI. Another great life choice. Also, do be sure to bring a sleeping bag, unlike my teammate Amanda. She didn't, because originally we were going to have mostly HOT months, but our route got changed last minute (and has continued to change!) and she's regretted not bringing a sleeping bag as she's shivered through Japan and Eastern Europe in the winter.
-Another thing to think about is a sleeping bag liner. I just got a basic one at REI, and used it during the hot months. I slept inside the liner on top of my sleeping bag/pad, and it was really comfortable. I've also slept inside it and my bag during cold months. Amanda got one that's bug repellent, which was nice in Southeast Asia.
-I also opted to get an Eno hammock, which has been nice, although I haven't gotten to use it a ton, since we've been in cities most of the time. But when I do get to use it, it's sooo nice! Definitely worth it if you like to hammock! Make sure you get Atlas straps to go with it!
-One item that I have used every single month (except when my friend Trent steals it, which is often) is my chair. It was a gift from someone, and it's one of the best gifts I've received. It's super lightweight, easy to set up and pack up, comfortable, and extremely handy to have. I highly recommend getting one of these!
-You may be wondering what pack I got. I bought a Gregory Deva, 70 L. I highly, highly recommend going into REI or another camping store to get fitted for a pack. You don't necessarily need to buy one there, but the employees will be more than happy to help you comparison shop and figure out what works best with your body. My dad and I went in, and I tried on three different packs. The Gregory was the most comfortable, and I learned that I needed extra small straps (I'm fun-sized, okay?) which the employees were able to easily switch out and install into the pack right there. It's worth it to be able to walk around the store and try on the packs. They'll even put weights in the packs so you can feel how the pack will fit. They'll also show you the proper way to put your pack on, and how to adjust all the straps on it.
-Another essential piece of gear is your daypack. I had an existential crisis hard time choosing one. My problem was that I wanted to bring my DSLR camera, my MacBook, AND art supplies with me on the Race, so I needed a daypack that could fit all of them comfortably and securely. I looked at several backpacks that have compartments for both a DSLR and a computer, and I ended up with this one. I respect the Tamrac brand, since that's what my camera bag at home is, so I felt comfortable ordering it without trying it out. Plus someone else bought it for me, so that was awesome. The jury's still out on it. I love all the compartments, and the fact that it safely cradles not only my DSLR but also my zoom lens. It's super heavy-duty, and the computer pocket is really secure and has a waterproof zipper. But it's heavy as all get-out. I don't like to carry it around during the month, because the safety features that keep my camera from being stolen make it difficult to retrieve when I want to take pictures and video. But it's nice on travel days for the peace of mind! If I had to do it over, I'd probably get a smaller backpack that has a computer pocket and then bring my camera bag from home.
Stay tuned for the third and final part!
